Scientist - Virology - Wan Lab

Hiring Department

Life Sciences Center

Job Description

The Wan Influenza Systems Biology Lab seeks applications for a Scientist in Virology or Aerosol Biology. The lab is affiliated with the Departments of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology (School of Medicine), Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (College of Engineering), and Veterinary Pathobiology (College of Veterinary Medicine), and is part of NextGen Center for Influenza and Emerging Infectious Diseases (CIEID) and Bond Life Sciences Center (LSC).

Our research integrates clinical, experimental, computational, and translational approaches to study influenza transmission, including mechanisms of spread, viral evolution, and host immune responses. Our goal is to improve vaccines and antiviral strategies, reduce disease burden, and mitigate outbreaks. The lab has access to BSL3/ABSL-3 animal facilities at the Laboratory for Infectious Disease Research (LIDR), along with extensive core resources supporting imaging, proteomics, metabolomics, immunobiology, genomics, and computational modeling for interdisciplinary research.

Responsibilities:

• 1) Viral Transmission: Investigate molecular, cellular, and biophysical determinants of transmission, including host range and tissue tropism, aerosolization and airborne spread; develop human studies and animal models to characterize and predict transmission in humans across environments.
• 2) Vaccine Effectiveness and Precision Health: Investigate molecular mechanisms affecting vaccine performance and immune imprinting; develop broadly protective vaccines to enhance immunity and reduce transmission.
• 3) Virus Surveillance and Pathogen Discovery: Identify emerging viral threats at the animal-human interface through pathogen discovery, genomic surveillance, and epidemiological studies.

The candidate will lead research efforts, mentor postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, and junior lab members, and publish in peer-reviewed journals. Additional responsibilities include contributing to project reports and grant preparation. Strong motivation and the ability to work collaboratively within a diverse team are essential.

We support professional growth through collaborations with leading researchers at MU and beyond, along with opportunities for grant writing and independent project development.

Shift

Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm; with flexibility for weekend/evening hours as required for experiment needs.

Minimum Qualifications

A Bachelor's degree in related/ relevant area and at least 3 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.

Preferred Qualifications

PhD in Virology, Aerosol Biology, Infectious Diseases, or a related field, with at least three years of postdoctoral (or equivalent) research experience.

Anticipated Hiring Range

Salary Range: $65,000.00 - $85,000.00 per year

Grade: GGS 010

University Title: Scientist

Internal applicants can determine their University title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.

Application Materials

Cover letter & Resume/CV